Delicious Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot

Category: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

Here’s some real comfort—start with tender chicken, toss in bacon, and plenty of ranch and Greek yogurt. Add cauliflower for a bit of a veggie boost. Top with gooey cheddar and a good layer of golden, crispy tots. When you bake it, everything gets bubbly and so cheesy. Then add a little extra bacon and cheese before serving for the ultimate finish. Bring it to a potluck or just serve for an easy weeknight meal. This one keeps things lighter but big on bold, satisfying flavor thanks to those smart swaps.

A woman wearing a chef's hat and apron.
Authored By Elisa
Updated on Tue, 13 May 2025 21:48:34 GMT
Bacon and cheese smothered over pasta, right out of the oven. Bookmark
Bacon and cheese smothered over pasta, right out of the oven. | recipesbyelisa.com

This Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole brings all the cozy tastes you want but with some upgrades. It keeps things light with chicken breast, cauliflower, and Greek yogurt, so you can enjoy seconds without any guilt. You just toss everything together in minutes, so it’s awesome for quick dinners or a lazy weekend treat your family will ask for again and again.

Made this for a potluck and everyone wanted to know how it was made. Now I stash tater tots in my freezer just for this since my family keeps begging for it.

Wholesome Ingredients

  • Tater tots frozen: These are the crunchy topper. Don’t thaw before using, and pack enough on top for epic crispiness.
  • Sharp cheddar cheese shredded: Use a block and grate it for perfect melt. Makes that gooey and golden crust.
  • Ranch dip mix: Dried ranch seasoning adds flavor with lots of herby and garlicky notes. Pick a low-salt mix if you want.
  • Cream cheese softened: Creamy and rich, this keeps everything together. Let it sit out so it’s easier to mix.
  • Plain Greek yogurt full fat: Brings tangy creaminess. Use your favorite thick variety for best flavor.
  • Frozen cauliflower cooked and chopped: Hides extra veggies inside. I use steam-in-bag for less work.
  • Bacon or turkey bacon crumbled: Adds a deep smokiness and salty bite. Crisp well for the best crunch.
  • Chicken breast cooked and shredded: Main source of protein and keeps things filling. Use leftovers or grab rotisserie chicken if you’re short on time.

Easy How-To Steps

Finish and Serve:
After baking, let cool a few minutes then scoop it out. Top with a drizzle of ranch or green onions for a fresh touch if you want.
Add Finishing Touches:
Scatter the rest of the cheddar and more bacon on top after baking. Pop back in the oven for five minutes to melt everything together.
Bake to Perfection:
Slide the dish in at 425 F, no lid needed. It should cook for about 25 minutes until the tots are crispy gold and the edges bubble.
Top with Tater Tots:
Lay the frozen tots gently in a single layer so every inch of filling gets covered. Don’t defrost—the crunch depends on it.
Layer in the Dish:
Spoon all the mixed-up filling into your dish (8x8 or 9x9 works). Smooth it out, pat it down gently, but don’t press too hard.
Combine the Fillings:
Add in the chicken, cauliflower, bacon, and a cup of cheddar and give it all a big stir so every bit gets coated.
Mix the Creamy Base:
Start by whisking the ranch powder, softened cream cheese, and Greek yogurt all together in a big bowl so you have a super smooth blend.
A white bowl filled with food. Bookmark
A white bowl filled with food. | recipesbyelisa.com

The cheddar cheese is my must-have—those crisp melty edges are what the kids battle for. Last time we made this, my youngest made a game out of lining up the tots, so now it’s become a family thing everyone helps with.

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers Just pop them in an airtight container in the fridge, and they’ll stay good for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven for the best crunchy topping. Freezing works, but for crispy tots, fresh is the way to go.

Swap Options

If you want to make it lighter, go for turkey bacon. Dairy free Just switch to coconut yogurt and vegan cream cheese, plus a plant-based cheddar. If you’re out of cauliflower, steamed broccoli is a great swap for a green twist.

A pan of food with bacon and cheese. Bookmark
A pan of food with bacon and cheese. | recipesbyelisa.com

How to Serve

Pair it with a crisp green salad or some quick-cooked green beans to balance things out. If you’re making it for brunch, add scrambled eggs on the side. Leftovers also go great packed for lunch.

Story & Background

Tater tot hotdishes are famous in the Midwest for being easy, cozy, and using whatever’s in your freezer. Tossing in chicken, bacon, and ranch gives it a fun, modern update. My grandma used to make tot bakes from random fridge stuff and that’s how I learned. I’ll always think of her whenever I pop a dish like this in the oven.

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ Can turkey bacon be swapped in instead of the usual bacon?

Totally! Turkey bacon keeps things lighter but still brings all that salty bacon taste to this bake.

→ What’s the best way to prep the chicken for this?

Your best bet is cooked, shredded chicken breast. Leftovers or store-bought rotisserie make things even faster.

→ Can I get this dish ready beforehand?

For sure! Put it all together, stash it in the fridge, and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready. If it’s cold, let it bake a bit longer.

→ Is there another veggie I could use in place of cauliflower?

You can swap in broccoli or even chopped spinach if you want to change up the flavor or texture.

→ What’s the trick for getting the tots extra crisp up top?

Spread those tots out in one layer and bake nice and hot. If they’re not super golden, switch to broil for a minute or two.

→ What are some tasty toppers for this dish?

Try some sliced green onions, a little more ranch drizzled on top, or a handful of cheddar for extra yum.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Tot

A warm mix of creamy chicken, crunchy bacon, ranch flavors, cheddar, cauliflower, and crispy tots—total comfort in every bite.

Prep Time
5 minutes
Cooking Time
25 minutes
Total Time Required
30 minutes
Authored By: Elisa

Type of Recipe: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Easy

Cuisine Type: American

Servings Count: 6 Number of Servings

Dietary Preferences: ~

Ingredients You'll Need

→ Main Components

Ingredient 01 570 g frozen tater tots
Ingredient 02 1 cup full-fat plain Greek yogurt
Ingredient 03 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
Ingredient 04 2 tablespoons ranch dip mix
Ingredient 05 2 cups frozen cauliflower, cooked and finely chopped (about 340 g)
Ingredient 06 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
Ingredient 07 1/2 cup bacon or turkey bacon, crumbled, plus more for sprinkling on top
Ingredient 08 56 g cream cheese, let it soften

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 01

Turn your oven to 220°C (425°F) and let it heat up.

Step 02

Grab a big bowl and gently stir together your Greek yogurt, creamy cheese, and ranch dip mix. Keep going until it turns smooth and creamy.

Step 03

Chuck in the chopped cauliflower, shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, and one cup cheddar. Mix well so the good bits spread all over.

Step 04

Dump the chicken mix into a square dish (20 cm or 23 cm). Spread it out. Top it with frozen tater tots all in one nice layer, covering the surface.

Step 05

Bake for 25 minutes or so. You want the tater tots crisp and golden. If they're still cold or soft, give them a bit more time.

Step 06

Pull your dish out. Scatter the last 1/2 cup of cheddar and extra bacon across the top. Pop it back inside for a few minutes until everything's nice and melty.

Step 07

Throw on some sliced green onions and ranch drizzle, if you like. Dish it up hot.

Extra Tips and Tricks

  1. If you want to make it lighter, swap in low-fat cheese or turkey bacon. Freshen things up with parsley or chives sprinkled on just before serving.

Must-Have Equipment

  • Big mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Square baking dish (20x20 cm or 23x23 cm)
  • Oven

Allergy Information

Always double-check ingredient lists for allergens and seek advice if you're unsure.
  • Has dairy in it (cheese, Greek yogurt, and cream cheese)

Nutritional Information (per portion)

The provided details are purely informational and should not replace professional advice.
  • Calorie Count: 359
  • Fat Amount: 20 grams
  • Carbohydrate Amount: 15 grams
  • Protein Amount: 30 grams